Tension device for wire-fence machines



(No Model.) I

,P. KESLINC.-

TENSION DEVICE FOR WIRE FENCE MACHINES. No 358,453 I Patented Mar 87 I I z 3371446115 dr c m1f N. PETERS, Pmwm hh h hh r. wmin mn. D. t;

NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

PERRY KESLING, OF \VALTON, INDIANA.

TENSION DEVICE FOR WIRE-FENCE MACHINES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 358,458, dated March 1, 1887.

Application filed December 16, 1886. Serial No. 221,771. (No model.)

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PERRY KESLING, a citizen of the United States, residing at Walton, in the county of Cass, State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Tension Devices for Wire-Fence Machines, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention has relation to tension devices for wire-fence machines; and my object is to provide a tension device that will automatically pay out the several strands of wire composing. the coils of the fence, and this at a perfectly uniform tension.

In tension devices heretofore constructed the spool-shaft has been provided with a slot near one of its ends in which has been inserted a wedge or key for the purpose of binding that one end of the spool against the inner face of the framework and at that side of the frame through which the slotted end of the shaft passes, whereby one end of the spool only was adapted to provide the proper tension, the other end of the spool being drawn away from the opposite side of the frame. In my invention friction is provided at each end of the spool by drawing both sides of theframe against the spool by a single device, which in no manner whatever tends to weaken the spool shaft. Furthermore, the frictional contact surface of the tension device being enlarged, the wearing away or the parts is reduced and their service substantially lengthened.

With the above objects in view the invention consists in certain features of construction hereinafter specified, and particularly pointed out in the claim.

Referring to the drawings, Figure l is a 0 side elevation of a tension device constructed in accordance with my invention, the same being shown in connection with an ordinary fence-machine. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the tension device, andFig. 3 is a view of the tension-regulating device. Fig. 4. is a view of the drum or spool.

Like letters of reference indicate like parts in all the figures of the drawings.

A represents the frame, which comprises the uprights A and tie-bars A, the latter being tenoned at each end, and the former being mortised to receive said tennoned ends. (See dotted lines, Fig. 2.) Mounted within the frame-work at a suitable point is a spool, B, having cast integral therewith a shaft, forming bearings B at each end thereof, and provided with the flared ends or faces B One end of the shaft is squared and provided with I a crank, B.

At about the middle of the framework and passing through eachof the uprights A is a rod, 0, provided with an integral head, 0, at one end, and screw-threaded at its opposite end, as at 0 for the reception of a set-screw, 0

In carrying out my invention I find it advantageous to use what may be termed an evener, D, the ends thereof being provided with the usual wire-clamps, D, through which the wire strands pass to the twisters on the fence-machine E. Secured to the drum or spool B, by any suitable device,as B*,is a rope, F, which may pass from the drum over a pulley, D, secured to the eveners, and from thence back over the upper tie-bar, A to the rear of the machine and to any fixed object, such as a stake or pin, G. In this instance, as illustrated in Fig. 1. the rope F terminates at the cross-bar A and the wire G extends from said cross-bar to a peg or stake, G, so that the two pegs or stakes G H and the wire Gr serve to secure the tension-frame from being drawn toward the fence.

The frame-work is inclined, as shown, and braced against a stake, H, or other fixed device at a suitable distance from the fence-machine. The wires are then passed through the clamp D of the evener, and by revolving the crank B the slack is drawn therefrom. By means of the thumb-screw (3 it is'evident that the two uprights A of the frame-work may be drawn toward each other, and that their inner faces may be brought in contact with the flared ends of faces B of the spool. This creates the desired tension upon the spool,and consequently upon the wires, which tension may be varied in accordance with the strain required. After that portion of the wire between the machine and the eveners has been twisted or consumed, the tension device is moved forward away from the machine, the rope slackened, and new lengths of wire allowed to i device, bearings B, and crank Bflsubstantially 10 pass through the clamps, and the operation is as specified. then repeated. In testimony whereof I affix my signature in Having described my invention and its oppresence of two witnesses. 5 eration, whatI claim is-- r 4 i The combination of the uprights A,tie-bars FIBERS KDSLING' A, rod 0, headed, as at G, screw-threaded, \Vitnesses: as at C, and having nut 0 with the spool B, MONTGOMERY HAMILTON,

having the flared ends or faces 13 ,21 fastening \VALTER A. OSMER. 

